Kids, Parents & Money: Teaching Personal Finance from Piggy Bank to Prom

Even if they don't agree on anything else, most parents will concede that financial responsibility is a vital part of every child's education. Former stockbroker Willard Stawski II, father of five and president of a company that produces fiscal-literacy tools for youngsters, believes such behavior ultimately stems from the way a family sets priorities and communicates lessons regarding them. He also contends financial literacy is a key component in everything from enhanced self-esteem to successful interpersonal relationships. In Kids, Parents & Money, Stawski outlines a step-by-step program that can be used to teach proper earning, saving, and spending habits and tie them all together. Starting with development of a team mission statement and financial plan, he addresses age-appropriate goals and conduct--"From about age four, children start to comprehend material value," he writes, and that's when they "also must be shown the offsetting financial principles that govern the material world"--along with allowances, suitable remuneration for work around the home, budgeting, record keeping, and even investing. Clearly defined chapters focus on a specific topic and conclude with simple exercises that reinforce its principles. A related Web site contains interactive materials that also can be used to aid the process. --Howard Rothman